The provincial government is highlighting winter camping and recreation activities across Alberta. (Photo 114654159 © Rdonar | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Winter camping available in Alberta

Jan 3, 2024 | 7:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – People looking to go outdoors and do some winter camping have a variety of options across Alberta this season.

Officials said Alberta’s Crown lands provide many options to choose from, including provincial campgrounds, random camping on public and vacant land, as well as comfort camping in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park and Cypress Hills Provincial Park.

Winter camping is available at 26 front-country campgrounds and 45 backcountry sites in provincial parks and recreation areas around Alberta.

A list of camping sites is available through Alberta Parks.

Minister of Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen said, “We are fortunate to have access to so many winter playgrounds across the province.”

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He added, “I encourage every Albertan to spend as much time as possible outdoors this season. From camping with loved ones in a provincial park to adventuring down your favourite trail, Alberta’s Crown lands offer many opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

In addition to camping, Crown lands in the province offer various winter recreational activities like cross-country skiing, skating and trails for winter walks.

For those looking to embrace the outdoors, the province has offered safety tips:

• Check local weather reports to plan accordingly
• Monitor advisories and trail reports before finalizing plans
• Leave an itinerary with a trusted contact that states your destination and return date
• Check for trail restrictions online and on signs at trailheads

Individuals recreating in avalanche territory should remember that avalanches are more likely when there has been a heavy snowfall, wind or warning temperatures.

SUMMER RECAP

The province is also reflecting on the popularity of sites in summer 2023.

Officials said Alberta welcomed visitors from 36 different countries. With over 254,000 camping reservations made, visitors reported a satisfaction rate of 87 per cent.

The province said Alberta’s provincial parks added $1 billion in GDP, $400 million in labour income and almost 9,000 jobs to the provincial economy.

Alberta is home to over 470 provincial parks and recreation areas.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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